Akrotiri Excavations and Red Beach Guided Tour
Overview
Walk the streets of a town that was buried by the volcano around 3,600 years ago. Akrotiri was a prosperous Bronze Age port, trading with Minoan Crete, until the great eruption of the 16th century BC covered it in ash. That ash preserved it remarkably well, and it is often compared to Pompeii.
With a licensed guide, follow paved streets past houses that once stood three storeys high, with stairways, workshops and a drainage system that was advanced for its time. Excavations began in 1967 under the archaeologist Spyridon Marinatos, and the whole site is now protected by a large roof, so it's comfortable to visit even in summer. Your guide explains how people lived here, and why no bodies or valuables have been found.
Afterwards, it's a short drive to the viewpoint above Red Beach, where iron-rich cliffs drop to the sea. There's time for photos, or a dip if you're happy to scramble down the path.
Highlights
- Guided walk through a Bronze Age town
- Multi-storey houses preserved under volcanic ash
- Covered site, comfortable even in summer
- Photo stop above Red Beach
- Half-day tour, ideal for a morning
What's included
- Licensed guide at Akrotiri
- Transport from your hotel and back
- Stop at the Red Beach viewpoint
- Akrotiri site ticket (unless stated in your quote)
- Food and drinks
Request this tour
Send us your dates and a SkyRay advisor will confirm availability and price.
Itinerary
Frequently asked questions
The wall paintings were removed for protection. Several are on show at the Museum of Prehistoric Thera in Fira, which is worth adding to your trip.
The site has walkways and ramps and is mostly level. The path down to Red Beach is steep and rocky, so the viewpoint is enough for most visitors.
Yes. It works well on the same day as an afternoon wine tour or a sunset catamaran. Tell us your dates and we'll plan the timing.
